Widely recognised as one of the greatest female letter writers in English, Jane Welsh Carlyle (1801–1866) possessed a famous sense of wit and irony, which, together with her keen observational skills, made her an important literary figure in her own right. This three-volume set of her letters, published in 1883 and annotated throughout by her husband Thomas Carlyle, represents a fine example of the letter-writing genre. The publication of the letters made a significant contribution to a growing acceptance and critical recognition of this often dismissed literary form. In Volume 2 (from 1847 to 1859) the reader will find humorous observations of eminent figures of the time, such as Emerson and Ruskin, witness Jane's strong devotion to her mother and sympathise with her failing health. Her descriptions of everyday life will entertain and amuse, and will reveal a fascinating insight into the highs and lows of her marriage.